Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Sweet 1870's Bustle Era Dress







From the seller:

A delightful 1870’s cotton print bustled day dress. The fabric has a small red flower pattern that is surround by gay leaves. The background has a gray and white stripe pattern. The dress is decorated with red cotton bands. The bodice is uniquely designed with a faux polonaise front that is edged with ruffles. It has a side umbrella pocket and the center back is trimmed with cotton bows. There is also a small hidden watch pocket near the hip area. The bodice is lined with cotton and the skirt is unlined. The skirt has a long back sweep. The dress has a front button closure. The dress is in very good condition. There is no underarm discoloration and no holes. There is some light age spotting on the inside lining only and a couple of soil marks on the edge of the back train. There is a three inch period mend by the hidden watch pocket. A very pretty display dress. Bust 34 Waist 26 Front skirt length 38 Back length 54.

From me:

I almost think this might have been a maternity dress based on the side shape but it's hard to tell. Very interesting dress, nonetheless.

3 comments:

  1. LOL! My first thought was maternity, too. I wish we had a better view of the front fit. Loose jackets were very popular in the 1870s, though.

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    1. It just looks too loose around the lower belly area - consistent with maternity gowns of the era. However, it's displayed in such a way that it's impossible to tell. Is the dress pregnant or did it just eat too much fabric?

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